Cristiano Ronaldo had only one question left to answer
in his flawless season - the whispered accusation that he had not
delivered when it mattered in Europe.
It was a doubt that had the whiff of desperation from critics, and
opposition fans, who were at pains to find a fault in the man who
is currently the world's best footballer. So it was almost
inevitable that Ronaldo would be the catalyst for a United
performance that underlined their credentials as Champions League
favourites.
The facts back up the argument that Ronaldo is a key figure both at
home and abroad - his goal against Roma was his 36th of a prolific
season. It was also his seventh in Europe this term to make him the
Champions League's top scorer in the current campaign.
Ronaldo's heading ability is occasionally over-shadowed by his
dribbling skills and a happy knack of scoring goals of every type.
But his physique and spring make him a formidable force in the air,
and it was prodigious leap and header that set United on the path
to victory against AS Roma in the Champions League last eight
clash.
He also struck a post and volleyed just over in a performance that
gave the lie to those desperate to pick holes in his extravagant
gifts. And Ronaldo's performance was symbolic of a United display
that suggested the old uncertainties in Europe might finally be a
thing of the past.
There is no doubt this is something he is on a mission to put right
in this year of all years - the 50th anniversary of the Munich air
crash. Those inside Old Trafford may feel the fates are on their
side, but more importantly they have a team that is growing into
the competition.
The attacking triumverate of Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez
will always provide a threat, but a major development has been Rio
Ferdinand's new-found maturity. He was imperious in Rome,
marshalling United's defence when the home side threatened a goal
and even after Nemanja Vidic was carried off.
But it is Ronaldo, with the shadow of 1968's European Cup talisman
George Best accompanying him, who represents United's greatest hope
of winning the famous trophy for the third time. And for those who
had doubts over his European pedigree when they entered the Stadio
Olimpico, they could banish them when it was time to leave.